Married At First Sight By Gu Lingfei

"Well, I'm back—and I had a midnight snack," Elora said, glancing at her mother's expression. She could tell right away-her mother had seen her and Tatum hugging.

After a brief silence, she decided to speak first.

"Mom."

"Elora."

They spoke at the same time, then fell silent again.

"You go first, Mom." Elora stepped closer. "You're clearly not sleepy yet. Come to my room- we can have a mother-daughter chat."

That way, they wouldn't disturb her father and brother.

Mrs. Ormond followed her daughter into the bedroom.

She rarely entered Elora's space. Ever since Elora started junior high, she had made it a point not to go into her daughter's room without permission.

As her children grew, they needed their own privacy, and she respected that.

sit down. Do you want some water?" Elora asked, noticing her mother's hesitation. She motioned for her to

for water." Mrs. Ormond studied her daughter for a moment before saying, "Elora, you just got back from a business trip. Why don't you take a hot bath first?

to process what she had just

was exceptional-so exceptional that Elora hadn't gotten tired of

chef arrangement would only last for a short period, thinking

had also noticed how attentive Tatum was to Elora, but she

gentleness toward Tatum hadn't concerned her either. After all, Tatum wasn't just any chef-he was the sixth

only natural that her attitude toward Tatum had softened once she

expected sparks

been mindful of Elora's future, often arranging introductions to outstanding young men in the city. But

no idea what kind of man

would simply say she wasn't focused on relationships. Her priority was

and the fact that Elora

yet thirty, Mrs. Ormond hadn't

particular about

and power made them a target. If Elora married the wrong man— someone

her daughter suffer in an unhappy marriage, but she could also

to inherit the business, the risk of outsiders gaining control was a real